Motherhood and the Messy Middle – Details, episodes & analysis

What if the space between who you were and who you’re becoming isn’t a problem to fix—but a place to grow?

In this heart-level conversation, we dive into identity, perimenopause, parenting tweens/teens, and the holy tension of the "middle." It’s raw, real, and redefining.

For every mom navigating grief, growth, or just straight-up chaos… you’re not alone. This messy middle is making you.

Thanks for joining us in the Messy Middle!

Ready for more real talk and soulful support? Head to motherhoodandthemessy.com for resources, freebies, and our latest episodes.

Explore the Resource Vault - packed with free tools and more, to support you in every season of motherhood: Click Here

Let’s connect on Instagram:
@robin.wellness | @heygirl_itsnicole | @motherhoodandthemessymiddle

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review-it helps other moms find our virtual village.

This podcast is for moms navigating the real, raw, and redeeming parts of motherhood-and we’re so glad you’re here.

What if motherhood was never just about them… but also about you?

In this episode, we open up about stepparenting, infertility, trauma, healing, and the unexpected ways motherhood transforms us. From living room wrestling matches to late-night tears, we're naming the real stuff—and the growth it brings.

For the mom navigating big feelings, growing kids, and wondering if she’s doing enough… this one’s for you.

Pull up a seat—we saved you one.

Thanks for joining us in the Messy Middle!

Ready for more real talk and soulful support? Head to motherhoodandthemessy.com for resources, freebies, and our latest episodes.

Explore the Resource Vault - packed with free tools and more, to support you in every season of motherhood: Click Here

Let’s connect on Instagram:
@robin.wellness | @heygirl_itsnicole | @motherhoodandthemessymiddle

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review-it helps other moms find our virtual village.

This podcast is for moms navigating the real, raw, and redeeming parts of motherhood-and we’re so glad you’re here.

What happens when two moms—who’ve never met in real life—slide into each other’s DMs and build a soul-deep friendship rooted in faith, honesty, and a shared heart for helping other moms? This podcast. 💛

In our very first episode, we (Robin & Nicole) introduce ourselves, share how this unexpected connection became a calling, and invite you into the community we were longing for—a virtual village for moms navigating the messy middle of motherhood, womanhood, and everything in between.

If you’ve been looking for a space that feels safe, honest, and spiritually nourishing… welcome to your virtual village

👋 Meet your hosts:
 Robin Richards of Robin’s Wellness: holistic wellness coach, trauma survivor, and passionate bridge between science and soul
Nicole Coates of Hey Girl, It’s Nicole: parenting coach, mental health advocate, and prayer guide creator walking through the hard and holy of raising older kids

Thanks for joining us in the Messy Middle!

Ready for more real talk and soulful support? Head to motherhoodandthemessy.com for resources, freebies, and our latest episodes.

Explore the Resource Vault - packed with free tools and more, to support you in every season of motherhood: Click Here

Let’s connect on Instagram:
@robin.wellness | @heygirl_itsnicole | @motherhoodandthemessymiddle

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review-it helps other moms find our virtual village.

This podcast is for moms navigating the real, raw, and redeeming parts of motherhood-and we’re so glad you’re here.

Friendship wasn’t supposed to be this complicated.

But somewhere between school drop-offs, emotional overload, and trying to keep up with everyone's needs… it’s easy for friendships to fall to the bottom of your never-ending to-do list.

In this heart-opening episode of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, we dive into the real talk about why making—and keeping—friendships as moms in midlife can feel so hard.

Nicole and Robin open up about their own friendship journeys-what’s worked, what’s hurt, and why they believe we still need each other, even when life gets messy and full.

Whether you’re feeling lonely, in a friendship dry spell, or just need reassurance that you're not the only one navigating this season-this one’s for you.

💛 You’re not too much.
💛 You’re not too late.
💛 And you’re not the only one.

If this episode speaks to you, send it to a friend you love (or want to reconnect with).
And if this podcast has helped you feel less alone, we’d be so grateful for a quick review—it helps more moms find our village.

Thanks for joining us in the Messy Middle!

Ready for more real talk and soulful support? Head to motherhoodandthemessy.com for resources, freebies, and our latest episodes.

Explore the Resource Vault - packed with free tools and more, to support you in every season of motherhood: Click Here

Let’s connect on Instagram:
@robin.wellness | @heygirl_itsnicole | @motherhoodandthemessymiddle

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review-it helps other moms find our virtual village.

This podcast is for moms navigating the real, raw, and redeeming parts of motherhood-and we’re so glad you’re here.

Do you miss a season that’s already slipped away-when your kids were smaller, life was slower, or you felt more like you? In this tender episode, we talk about the bittersweet ache of motherhood transitions and how to hold space for both grief and gratitude.

Nicole shares what it’s like to parent four kids across four life stages, and Robin reflects on her most sacred season of motherhood. Together, we explore what it means to honor the past while still embracing the beauty (and mess) of now.

You’re allowed to miss what was and still love where you are.

Thanks for joining us in the Messy Middle!

Ready for more real talk and soulful support? Head to motherhoodandthemessy.com for resources, freebies, and our latest episodes.

Explore the Resource Vault - packed with free tools and more, to support you in every season of motherhood: Click Here

Let’s connect on Instagram:
@robin.wellness | @heygirl_itsnicole | @motherhoodandthemessymiddle

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review-it helps other moms find our virtual village.

This podcast is for moms navigating the real, raw, and redeeming parts of motherhood-and we’re so glad you’re here.

Motherhood has a way of pulling us in every direction-except inward. In this episode, we’re talking about what it looks like to reclaim your spirit when life feels messy, loud, and exhausting. Because what sustains us in the thick of midlife and motherhood isn’t just strategy, structure, or even sleep-it’s soul.

Robin and Nicole unpack the power of prayer, the practice of meditation, and the beauty of meeting God right where you are-without guilt, perfection, or pressure. Whether your spiritual walk feels strong, shaky, or somewhere in between, this conversation is your reminder that you don’t have to “have it all together” to connect with God. You just have to start.

If your spirit feels depleted or distant, you’re not alone and you’re not doing it wrong. This one’s an invitation to come back home to yourself.

Resources mentioned:
 – Nicole’s Shameless Audacity of a Praying Mom workbook
– Robin’s 21-Day Meditation Momentum journey and YouTube

Thanks for joining us in the Messy Middle!

Ready for more real talk and soulful support? Head to motherhoodandthemessy.com for resources, freebies, and our latest episodes.

Explore the Resource Vault - packed with free tools and more, to support you in every season of motherhood: Click Here

Let’s connect on Instagram:
@robin.wellness | @heygirl_itsnicole | @motherhoodandthemessymiddle

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review-it helps other moms find our virtual village.

This podcast is for moms navigating the real, raw, and redeeming parts of motherhood-and we’re so glad you’re here.

What do you do when your mental health is struggling—and so is your child’s?

In this vulnerable and powerful episode of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, we’re talking about what it means to parent through anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and recovery—while navigating your own emotional challenges at the same time.

We explore:
 💛 Mothering through anxiety, PTSD, perimenopause, and grief
 💛 How mental health struggles can show up in children—even the very young
 💛 What it looks like to hold space without trying to fix
 💛 Breaking generational patterns with compassion and courage
 💛 How to advocate for yourself and your child
 💛 The invisible labor—and invisible wounds—many moms carry

This episode is for the mom who feels like she’s barely holding it together, and for the woman choosing to show up with fierce love in the mess.

✨ You are not broken. You are becoming.
✨ You are not alone. You are deeply loved.

🎁 Free Resource:
Download here 👉 7 Things to Say (and Not Say) When Someone You Love Is in a Mental Health Crisis

📍 Trigger Warning:
This episode contains open discussion around anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and grief.
📍 Need Support? Call or text 988 for free, confidential help 24/7.

Thanks for joining us in the Messy Middle!

Ready for more real talk and soulful support? Head to motherhoodandthemessy.com for resources, freebies, and our latest episodes.

Explore the Resource Vault - packed with free tools and more, to support you in every season of motherhood: Click Here

Let’s connect on Instagram:
@robin.wellness | @heygirl_itsnicole | @motherhoodandthemessymiddle

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review-it helps other moms find our virtual village.

This podcast is for moms navigating the real, raw, and redeeming parts of motherhood-and we’re so glad you’re here.

What happens when your child’s life path, diagnosis, or identity doesn’t match the future you dreamed of?

In this honest, episode of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, we talk about what it’s like to parent a child whose journey—because of neurodivergence, mental health, or other challenges—looks different than expected.

Whether you’re raising a child with special needs, or simply holding space for a different kind of motherhood, you’ll find support and hope here.

✨ Topics we explore:
 — Quiet grief and unspoken mom guilt
 — Letting go of expectations in parenting
 — Accepting your child for who they are
 — The power of curiosity and compassion

This conversation is tender, relatable, and rooted in grace. If you’ve ever whispered “this isn’t what I pictured,” this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and share with a mom who needs encouragement in the messy middle of parenting.

Thanks for joining us in the Messy Middle!

Ready for more real talk and soulful support? Head to motherhoodandthemessy.com for resources, freebies, and our latest episodes.

Explore the Resource Vault - packed with free tools and more, to support you in every season of motherhood: Click Here

Let’s connect on Instagram:
@robin.wellness | @heygirl_itsnicole | @motherhoodandthemessymiddle

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review-it helps other moms find our virtual village.

This podcast is for moms navigating the real, raw, and redeeming parts of motherhood-and we’re so glad you’re here.

In this episode of Motherhood and the Messy Middle, Robin and Nicole continue their deep dive into the complexities of estrangement. They discuss the emotional layers, offer compassionate support, and share small steps forward for those experiencing distance or silence with their children.

Nicole opens up about her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of community and the strength found in vulnerability. The episode highlights the launch of Nicole's new online space, Between Hope and Heartbreak—a private, faith-based community for mothers navigating estrangement.

👉 Learn more and request to join at betweenhopeandheartbreak

Motherhood is a multifaceted journey, and it's okay to ask for support and feel a range of emotions along the way. You don’t have to walk this road alone.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:31 Understanding Estrangement

01:38 Identity Beyond Motherhood

03:33 Navigating Reconciliation

08:37 Creating Supportive Spaces

11:40 Building a Community

19:46 Advice for Supporters

22:11 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

25:42 Conclusion and Resources

Thanks for joining us in the Messy Middle!

Ready for more real talk and soulful support? Head to motherhoodandthemessy.com for resources, freebies, and our latest episodes.

Explore the Resource Vault - packed with free tools and more, to support you in every season of motherhood: Click Here

Let’s connect on Instagram:
@robin.wellness | @heygirl_itsnicole | @motherhoodandthemessymiddle

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review-it helps other moms find our virtual village.

This podcast is for moms navigating the real, raw, and redeeming parts of motherhood-and we’re so glad you’re here.

In this vulnerable conversation, Nicole opens up about her personal journey of navigating the heartbreaking estrangement from her oldest daughter.

Together, they explore what estrangement really means, the emotional toll it takes—not just on moms, but on the entire family and the spiritual lessons God continues to teach in the midst of deep grief.

Robin and Nicole emphasize the importance of holding space for hard emotions while still making room for hope. They also highlight the power of faith, prayer, and community as lifelines in seasons that feel unbearably lonely.

If this episode resonates with your story, you don’t have to walk this road alone.

👉 Join Between Hope and Heartbreak, Nicole’s private, faith-filled community for moms navigating estrangement.

🙏 And if you need a place to begin praying again through the pain, Nicole’s prayer workbook, Finding Hope in the Heartbreak, is a gentle companion for weary hearts. 

Tune in to hear how Nicole's faith and community support have played critical roles in her journey, and learn about practical resources available through their 'Motherhood and the Messy Middle' virtual village.

00:00 Introduction: Navigating the Messy Middle of Motherhood

01:12 Opening Up: A Heartfelt Conversation Begins

02:57 Defining Estrangement: Understanding the Pain

04:10 Personal Journey: A Mother's Story of Estrangement

06:36 Navigating Teen Years and Estrangement

12:04 The Impact on Siblings and Family Dynamics

14:37 Finding Hope and Healing Through Faith

18:36 Transforming Trauma: From Pain to Purpose

21:00 Prayer and Connection: Deepening Faith

26:21 Conclusion: Holding Grief and Hope Together

27:09 Part Two Preview and Resources

Thanks for joining us in the Messy Middle!

Ready for more real talk and soulful support? Head to motherhoodandthemessy.com for resources, freebies, and our latest episodes.

Explore the Resource Vault - packed with free tools and more, to support you in every season of motherhood: Click Here

Let’s connect on Instagram:
@robin.wellness | @heygirl_itsnicole | @motherhoodandthemessymiddle

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review-it helps other moms find our virtual village.

This podcast is for moms navigating the real, raw, and redeeming parts of motherhood-and we’re so glad you’re here.